Getting Started: Three Ways to Transfer an Image to Watercolor Paper

[@WaltKosty]

Thanks Jamie! Very informative and I appreciate your style that focuses on the process without a lot of unnecessary fluff. Will check out a few more of your tutorials.

[@Jamieclarkart]

Thanks Walt!

[@EiKanProductions]

There is one more method - using a light box or your tablet screen on its brightest setting, underneath the image you want to transfer. shine the light through your drawing so that you can trace it onto your watercolor paper. This way you don’t have to trace all the lines only the ones you need, and you can add a light touch or a dark touch on any line you wish

[@Jamieclarkart]

That's is also a great method!

[@tiyanawilliams5070]

Great method

[@cptcosmo]

In Architecture school I would go to Kinkos Copies and have them photocopy building elevations I drew with ink on vellum on to watercolor paper so I could render it. Turned out really nice, and the texture of cold press breaks up the hard lines of the photocopies so it looks more sketchy.

[@Merehalasa]

This was exactly the video I was looking for! Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@Jamieclarkart]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@deborahfredette7499]

Me too. This is exactly what I needed. Thanks so much.

[@laurenaspreyart]

Thank you so much! I’ve been trying to find a method similar to your last one and now I finally know what to do 😁

[@Jamieclarkart]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@cloud.nebula7928]

Just got a watercolor set so this is gonna be super helpful when I wanna transfer an image to my watercolor paper thanks 😊 I

[@Jamieclarkart]

You're welcome! I hope it helps!

[@cloud.nebula7928]

Oh it really did help thank so much 😊😁

[@kathleenroyles1347]

clear and helpful

[@M2019-k9u]

Very helpful. Thank you. 👍

[@janetmckelvey8622]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Jamieclarkart]

You’re welcome!

[@sayusayme7729]

Thank you , awesome tips.

[@julielehmann5377]

Thank u so much for the tips 👍👍👍

[@Jamieclarkart]

I'm glad it could help!

[@anne-mariemarshall3105]

I have tried all those methods and all have their place. Thanks for the demo. I have always wanted to print my pre painting drawings through the computer but not all printers will take 140lb watercolour paper. I see you have used a Brother. Are you still using this one or have you updated since 2017

[@Jamieclarkart]

Yes! I’m still using my old Brother printer 🙂

[@zorbius15]

Thanks a ton for this!

[@Jamieclarkart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lausannewijnberg4149]

Wow! So helpful thank you

[@Jamieclarkart]

Glad I could help!

[@lupematz4019]

Very helpful! Can I use it for transferring images on rocks?

[@jamieclark7854]

I don't see why not. If the rocks are too dark the pencil may not show, so I guess it depends on the shade.

[@alyj6381]

wow the amount of time i have spent searching high and low all over google, youtube every art forum just to find SOMEONE using an affordable laser printer to print onto watercolour paper ive finally found you haha, this is exactly what info i wanted to find! im searching for a laser print just to do just this, print out line work onto either thicker cardstock (for alcohol markers) and watercolour paper for my paints! not sure if your exact model is available anymore, atleast i cant find it in canada but Brother has many other models that look VERY similar, for that model you have specifically i saw on their website they say the manual feed slot maxium paper it can handle is 43lb lol what type of paper did you use if you remember? im assuming its way thicker that what they recommend, but do you think if a model i am actually looking it now, it says the manual feed slot can handle a maximum of 61lb, i can manage to get watercolour paper through it?

[@alyj6381]

sidenote- oops just saw you had linked the paper you used in the description sorry haha got to excited that someone printed on watercolour paper

[@Jamieclarkart]

I'm sure the newer models will work just as well. I'm glad this was helpful!

[@wetdewlap8741]

Great video, won’t the graphite paper leave a bit of a waxy buildup on traces line though? Will it get in the way of blocking my watercolour?

[@Jamieclarkart]

I haven't had trouble with any waxy buildup, but you may just have to experiment to see what works for you!

[@dulcamaramuck4518]

wow finally someone who recommends an affordable printer to do this q///q thank you!

[@ciacciom]

I Know. Isn't it nice when you run into a genuine person once in a while? : )

[@Jamieclarkart]

I hope it helps!

[@stephaniemitchell8509]

I came too late, it's $270 now )':

[@Jamieclarkart]

​@@stephaniemitchell8509 It's an old model. Here is the updated model: amzn.to/37NrZwq

[@anitahurley4207]

L ​@@Jamieclarkart

[@mirrormirror444]

There is also Chaco paper!

[@towardsthelight4919]

I don’t know why, but sometimes a lot of times when I use transfer paper, the graphite comes out on the rest of the page that I don’t want to and makes the watercolour paper smudgy how can I avoid this? I am trying to be very careful. Obviously, I only trace the drawing, but somehow putting any kind of pressure when I’m drawing the other part seems to transfer any tips please

[@jillqqzhou]

thanks. I love the idea of using a printer, but don't want to buy a new printer yet. Just stick to the traditional ways for a while.

[@justinburnett7718]

Transferpaper.....is so much simpler

[@middleagedmandrawsdog]

Thank you! So helpful! This process has been a mystery to me haha

[@grandma.p]

Would you be able to use watercolor pencils instead of graphite?

[@Jamieclarkart]

I haven't tried it! I'm guessing watercolor pencils aren't soft enough to transfer, but you could give it a try!

[@AelSihombing]

I used carbon transfer paper and it got so messy 😢 I can't find graphite transfer paper here..

[@jo6233]

I recommend a much higher number penB for this (4B, 8B) it’s much softer, the 2B we only used for light-handed sketches in art school

[@Jamieclarkart]

Those would work really well! 2B is what I had on hand. :)

[@chelseag3365]

Thank you!!! I did not know using printer paper in that way worked that easily. I wont have to worry about having a very 'sketchy' first draft and ruining the fancy paper :). i want a very very light outline for my transfer so that's perfect!! (And cheaper!)

[@Jamieclarkart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suzimoon1597]

I like the transfer image using a printer on watercolor paper the best. 2nd: Using a light pad. Transfer paper can get quite messy, so I don't use it anymore.

[@blakearius]

I used tracing paper like an idiot. 30 minutes doing the trace, scratched graphite on the back.. Can't see my drawing on the front.🤦

[@jamieclark7854]

Oh no! 😩😂

[@hillaryproctor5678]

What is the weight of your watercolor paper that you are using here?

[@brazilianbella7]

Super helpful, thanks for making this video 😍

[@mathstutorbiz]

Hello , just found your video , I know it was done a while ago but what is the make and type of printer is yours? I am longing for a printer to use in conjunction with my art and you have hit the nail on the head with this one . So many thanks. Regards Marilyn Handley U.K.

[@vimeopictures5170]

whoaaaa....nevr thought of it!! Thank you

[@robynzach5869]

Great video! Thank you. What kind of laser printer do you gave?

[@robynzach5869]

I just read another comment An old Brother printer.

[@ghislainedubernet6869]

Bonjour l'imprimante que vous utilisez est une imprimante spéciale ? Merci de la part de quelqu'un qui ne sait pas dessiner

[@Jamieclarkart]

It's just a regular Brother laser printer. It's old so they don't make it anymore. Here's a link: amzn.to/3vh2Qcb The updated version should work the same

[@MiaPracticingRelaxing]

Great video, thank you! Just one question regarding the printing option: Doesn´t the ink of the printer move when you apply water? That´s what happens to me all the time and my image get´s a light grey tint all over it. Do you have any idea why this happens? And maybe one more thing: Is your printer still intact? Yours (and also mine) are only made for paper with max. 163gsm and I am afraid to ruin it if I put heavier paper through it... Thank you so much in advance, Mia

[@angelreading5098]

Give a 'light' mist coat of fixative you will not get any ink smudge,use the same method with graphite copying paper,do not use hair spray it is lacquer based and paint will not flow or stick to your paper.

[@MiaPracticingRelaxing]

@@angelreading5098 thanks, i will definitely try it!

[@Jamieclarkart]

My inkjet printer makes the ink bleed when I add water, but my laser printer works great. I don't print a lot of heavy lines, more like guidelines for my paintings. I hope that helps!

[@MiaPracticingRelaxing]

@@Jamieclarkart Ah, that might be it - I think my lineart is to heavy! Thanks, I will try to work on that 🙋

[@Jamieclarkart]

Good luck! I like to adjust the opacity to much lighter (around 50%) when I go to print.

[@Pebblesmas]

Thx so much!!!

[@Idellle]

Thin Baking sheet works great

[@Karlena_Lewin_Studio]

Omg yay I have just started doing the printer way and my art looks amazing and thought I was cheating so you think that is ok ??

[@k41yl]

i think its alright. if you are just a beginner and not really good in sketching but really wanna paint this will really help.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

Of course. It isn't "cheating." Even the "old masters" had methods for putting images onto surfaces. They didn't do everything freehand.

[@Jamieclarkart]

It's all part of the process so I think it's ok. :)

[@inayatkhan6792]

Thanq so much mere sub se badi problem solve ho gyi

[@MaryBryan-zh1dl]

What kind of printer?

[@MrsJonesie]

Thank you.

[@tmammas8442]

Thank you!

[@carolyndaughton3373]

Super informative tutorial! Thank you.

[@Jamieclarkart]

I'm so glad I could help!

[@foreveryoung4980]

printer cannot use large size of paper, only the standard

[@Jamieclarkart]

Yes, I cut my paper down to 8.5 x11 so it fits.

[@charlieharrison5369]

This is such a helpful video thank you! I have a quick question though, do you stretch the watercolour paper before you transfer your sketch/design? Thank you in advance!

[@Jamieclarkart]

I didn't stretch my paper (before or after) but I'm working small and left the background white. If you are working larger you might want to stretch first and then transfer (not using the printer method) :) so your image doesn't get rubbed off. But depending on how you stretch if might not make a difference. Hope that helps!

[@tonyasamuels3411]

Thank you 💕

[@alleynanci]

Does drawing show through paint?

[@Jamieclarkart]

The lines can show through if they are dark.

[@Hardrevver]

Very helpfull, thank you very much, and thank you for NO MUSIC, just helpful advice

[@jamieclark7854]

I'm glad it was helpful! 😄

[@wandasolanes8390]

Thank you for your tutorial. It was helpful and will work for some of my projects but I was looking for a way to transfer a portrait image ( golden retriever) on watercolor paper. I will however be working with color pencil for this portrait and I'm concerned about being able to erase any evidence of tracing. I've thought about yellow sorrell paper but would all the detail come through with that? I thought about blacking out the back with pencil but as you indicated, this might take a great deal of time when there is a lot of detail. Anything you could suggest would be helpful as I am new to pencil portraits. Thank you so much!

[@Jamieclarkart]

Hi! I hope you were able to figure it out! I use these transfer methods for the main lines and then fill in the details. It does take some time, but is worth it in the end!

[@michellegill8973]

nice video

[@shetotamq6616]

I really work . Thanks

[@miraclezzz]

Thanks

[@hadarhe]

this really helped me, thank you :)

[@Jamieclarkart]

You're welcome! Glad I could help.

[@jennyrodriguez4265]

Thank you very informative

[@SmileyPsycho1]

My mind is fucking blown 😂😂. Im so glad I watched this. Transferring with a damn pencil.... Like THAT?! It makes sense as soon as I saw it... But man! That's amazing! Thank you so so much for this video. There are some rather complicated subjects I'd love to watercolor; Im just not great at freehand sketching from a reference yet. Thank you again!!!

[@Jamieclarkart]

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. 😄

[@SmileyPsycho1]

@@Jamieclarkart That, you did! 😂👌

[@judithf9297]

Hello Jamie, I like your video, I hope you still read the comments, this is over 2 years old. I wanted to ask you are you still happy with your little laser printer? I did not intend to buy a printer, I have a nice color inkjet,but I really like to watercolor, and this would be the easiest way to print images(I don’t draw) and not have the ink smudge. So, I would invest the money ,not really more than a $100 if the printer is decent enough, I would mostly use it to print images that I color. So, that’s why I wanted to ask you the Brother still works well, or do you recommend something else? Can you make copies on that? Thank you, I would appreciate your opinion.

[@Jamieclarkart]

I'm still using the same printer and it has been great! It's an older model so the updated version may be cheaper. It doesn't copy like a scanner (not sure if that's what you mean) but I do use it to print other text and documents. Hope that helps!

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Thank you so much!

[@Jamieclarkart]

You're welcome! I hope it helps

[@darioscomicschool1111]

@@Jamieclarkart It will tomorrow!

[@ninilefrance]

Thank you

[@paulinerizk8532]

I went to amazon and the printer is not under 100. It is 186 and other 197. Please can I send me a close picture on your printer so I can search for it other site. Thank you so muchn

[@Jamieclarkart]

This is an older model so it's probably not being made anymore. But I'm sure the updated printer will work too!

[@pwood5733]

Tea with honey in can help with your croak

[@vilvile]

This is a great video. I saw some people using pastels to do the same as method 1, though unsure what is then more compatible or suitable for other media? For example, is a graphite outline better for watercolor than a pastel one?

[@Jamieclarkart]

I think it just depends on what you prefer! Oil pastel would resist the watercolor, but chalk pastel might be a great option if you want to rub the lines away later. Although I haven't tried this method yet so I don't know for sure :)

[@yellothere5552]

I tape new paper over old on the window itself..saves the scribbling n blackhands too xxx debbi vasileiou

[@Jamieclarkart]

I find the watercolor paper is sometimes too thick so that's why I used this method. But I'm glad that works for you!

[@Rachy-SociallyAwkward]

Hi how do you make just an outline printed from a full colour image? Anyone who knows please let me know. Thankyou. Rachel x

[@Jamieclarkart]

You can trace the main shapes on a separate paper using a light box or use a computer program. I use Sketchbook Pro and a Wacom tablet. Or there is Procreate on an iPad.

[@megg7558]

These are the old ways, light box is the best.

[@Jamieclarkart]

A light box is great if you have one!

[@danroyer4544]

@@Jamieclarkart I made a lightbox using 2 identical picture frames - very easy & cheap.

[@justinburnett7718]

At least 4b....

[@justinburnett7718]

Transferpaper very lightly is what I prefer

[@janiceaistrop4807]

Thank you so much!

[@judithf9297]

I forgot to ask you can you actually print on watercolor paper that can be 140 lb?

[@Jamieclarkart]

I just run it through the printer with the back tray open so it stays flat. I haven't had any trouble with this weight of paper.

[@seberinascalmato8992]

i barely could hear you..but by the video i learned much even still. ty

[@Jamieclarkart]

Sorry! I just took the video on my iphone. :) I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@allieGirl146]

Thanks

[@deborahrech7429]

Very helpful. I never thought of using a printer! Thank you.

[@Jamieclarkart]

You're welcome! I love using a printer for small pieces. It's so much faster!

[@Centannicocktails]

OMG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Jamieclarkart]

You're welcome!

[@monica-NJ-123]

Will watercolor bleed on the transfer paper drawing?

[@Jamieclarkart]

I haven't had any trouble with bleeding

[@Nature31-e5s]

Thanks for the info, my watercolour paper got stuck in to the printer ? GSM of your paper ?

[@Jamieclarkart]

My paper is 140 lb. It's tricky finding the right printer and paper. I've had to do some experimenting. Also, make sure the paper is staying flat as it passes through the printer and not bending. Hope that helps!

[@Nature31-e5s]

@@Jamieclarkart yes thank you

[@tumaytoemiee9515]

Hi! what is the weight of your paper ?

[@Jamieclarkart]

140 lb

[@richardsilva-spokane3436]

New sub. Thanks Jamie. I appreciate and admire your thoroughness. I think you’ve covered all the bases on the pros/cons 👍👍👍👍

[@Jamieclarkart]

Thanks! I hope it helps.

[@strawhatsmcgee]

why not just draw it free hand?

[@eleanorchapman6268]

Can't hear you.

[@Jamieclarkart]

Sorry! #iphone microphone

[@hollyw378]

Just found your channel. Your art is beautiful! I originally watched your watercolor house videos, then I watched them all! :) Do you print and transfer for all your work (house, portraits)??

[@Jamieclarkart]

Thanks! I have an Instagram account @jamieclarkart where I post more regularly if you are interested. I usually print and transfer all my smaller works. It's so much more accurate and saves a lot of time. :)